The Massachusetts’ Governor’s office recently announced $167,000 in grants to support equitable access to outdoor recreation through the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR). In total, 21 organizations and municipalities were awarded Inclusive and Accessible Event grants to improve ease of access to outdoor recreational activities for low-income residents, communities of color, and people living with disabilities. For details on each grant, click here.
“These grants support the essential work of organizations and municipalities striving to ensure everyone feels welcome and included in Massachusetts’ outdoors. Expanding access to outdoor recreation is the perfect opportunity for grantees to showcase the beautiful rivers, trails, and parks that we have to offer to all residents and visitors,” said MOOR Director Paul Jahnige. “Outdoor recreation events in nature support our mental, physical, and social health and the state’s economic health. Investing in the outdoor recreation economy is a step towards strengthening our connections with each other and the natural environment.”
The grants include:
Fairhaven: Adaptive and Inclusive Anglers Fishing Derby
Fall River: Stepping Into Spring: Bird Watching, Kite Night, and Freshwater Fishing
New Bedford: Saltwater Fishing Clinic
Fitchburg: Junior Ranger Program
Charlemont: Access to the Water (A2A): Diversify Whitewater and Paddling Futures Events on the Deerfield River
Milton: New England Base Camp (NEBC) Outdoor Conference: Climbing, Hiking, Leadership and Women in the Outdoors
Boston: Quinobequin Paddle on the Charles River
Bridgewater: Accessible Fishing Derby
Springfield: Recovery Retreat Week Outdoors: Hiking, Horseback Riding, Bird Watching and More
Worcester: Nipmuc Band Mishoom Burn
Cheshire: Promoting Outdoor Belonging in Berkshire County
Westport: Surfing Clinic for Neurodivergent, Physically Diverse, and Medically Fragile Youth and Families
Medford: Paddling the Mystic River Watershed, Breaking Down Barriers to Access
Essex: Nature-Based Restorative Retreat for Black Men at Essex Woods
Boston: Accessible and Equitable Fishing at Jamaica Pond
Devens: Women Veterans Empowerment, a Path to Health and Wellness Program
Holyoke & Boston: Latino Outdoors Surfing, Rock Climbing, and Hiking
Northhampton: Adaptive Riding at the Massochistah
Vineyard Haven: SailMobility Spring Program
Worcester: Project Bloom
Holyoke: Stem-to-Stern Rowing Program
